Each NFL team’s biggest breakout candidate
By Conor Dorney
Los Angeles Rams – Gerald Everett
Like the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Los Angeles Rams engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent memory, due in large part to the arrival of head coach Sean McVay. Now, as perhaps the team to beat in a downtrodden NFC West, the Rams will look to continue that success with the long-term contractual future of some of their best players still yet to be decided.
While having quarterback Jared Goff on a list last year like this would have made you look like a genius, it’s another offensive player that could have a big jump in production in 2018: tight end Gerald Everett.
The Rams selected Everett in the second round of the 2017 Draft out of South Alabama, where he was one of the most athletic and versatile tight ends in the country. Everett posted respectable numbers in his rookie year, tallying 16 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
With the arrival of Brandin Cooks as the team’s deep threat to replace Sammy Watkins, Everett and fellow tight end Tyler Higbee could see plenty of space open up on underneath routes. Everett has the size and speed to separate from linebackers, so don’t be surprised if Goff finds himself going Everett’s way on plenty of these matchups over the course of the season.